Five Houses to See in the Philippines

The Philippines is becoming one of the most popular vacation spots in the world. It is beautiful, exotic, tropical and fascinating. While you are vacationing in the Philippines, don’t forget to check out some of the most intriguing houses there. Here are 5 houses you should definitely visit.

Ugu Bigyan

Ugu Bigyan is a famous artist in the Philippines who specializes in pottery. His house in Tiaong, Quezon has become a tourist attraction. If you make reservation in advance, you can explore his pottery gardens, workshops and galleries. You are also treated to an array of very tasty Filipino dishes. If you like art and food, you can’t miss a trip to Ugu Bigyan’s house.

Syquia Mansion

Syquia Mansion is located in the Ilocos Region in the historic city of Vigan. It is the best preserved Spanish Colonial settlement in the Philippines, and has been declared an UNESCO World Heritage site.

Syquia Mansion is famous for being the home of the Philippines’ sixth president, Elpidio Quirino. President Quirino is best known for developing economic and foreign policies that helped the Phillipines rise up again after World War II. The mansion is chock full of historic memorabilia.

Hizon-Singian House

This is a heritage house located in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga. It is in Central Luzon, one of the most historical regions in the country. This house was built in 1870, and was occupied during the 1896 revolution by general in the Spanish Army. During World War II, it was used by the Japanese Army as a military hospital and barracks.

Quema House

Quema House is located in Vigan, and was the ancestral home of the Quema family. It was built in 1820, and is a great example of the traditional bahay-na-bato (house of stone) style that was popular among the Philippines mixed-race population. The Filipino American Association of Pittsburgh chose this house as the model for the design of a Philippine Nationality Room to showcase 18th century architecture unique to the country.

Mariano Ramos Ancestral Home

This ancestral home is located in Bacolod City. It was built in the 1930s, is three stories tall, and the architecture is a mix of Castilian and Tuscan influences. It was the home of Don Mariano Ramos, the first appointed municipal president of Bacolod city. It is on a street that was one known as “Millionaires Row.”

Due to the house being so tall, and having a “tower room”, the Japanese generals seized the home during World War II to use as a headquarters, and place where they had access to panoramic views of the cities. It is a beautiful constructed mansion that is full of history.

The Philippines is a great place to visit for many reasons. One excellent activity to do while on vacation is to visit as many of the famous and historic houses the country has to offer.

For more information on great houses to visit in different cities, go to www.movoto.com.